Links
National Volunteering Links
| Volunteer Development Scotland | VDS, the Centre for Excellence, works strategically and in partnership to help create an enabling environment for volunteering. We do this by undertaking research, analysing and responding to policy, engaging in consultation, influencing key decision makers, disseminating good practice in volunteer management, and stimulating dialogue around volunteer development in Scotland | Volunteer Development Scotland |
| Volunteer Scotland | Scotland’s gateway to volunteering. Volunteer Scotland is a searcable database of volunteering opportunites in Scotland. Populated by the Volunteer Centre Network Scotland and maintained by VDS together we are trying hard to create a Scotland where everyone who wants to volunteer can do so. | |
| Councils for Voluntary Service | CVS’s keep information on charity law, legal responsibilities of committees, sources of funding, national publications, employment issues, training opportunities, directory of local organisations, knowledge of national picture, services of Local Authority, health and other agencies as they relate to the voluntary sector. There are four CVS’s in the Western Isles:
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| Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations | SCVO seeks to advance the values and shared interests of the voluntary sector by fostering co-operation, promoting best practice and delivering sustainable services | |
| Association of Volunteer managers | Networking site for Volunteer managers. | |
| Central registered Body in Scotland | Criminal Records Checks National/ Local Government The Central Registered Body in Scotland (CRBS) was established by the Scottish Executive to provide free Disclosures (police checks) for volunteers in the voluntary sector working with children, young people and vulnerable adults at risk. Offering; reference material, open registration sessions offering hands on advice, information, staff expertise, advice and assistance. | www.crbs.org.uk |
| Work With Us | Workwithus.org provides you with information, events news posted by charities and voluntary organisations covering a wide range of topics. You will find jobs, fundraising ideas, campaigns, advice and what’s happening right now in the sector. | www.workwithus.org |
| Community Service volunteers | CSV, Scotland offer advice on running a volunteer programme, finding full-time volunteers, employee volunteering, media skills and citizenship. | www.csv.org.uk/Scotland/ |
| Volunteering England | Volunteering England is an independent voluntary agency committed to supporting, enabling and celebrating volunteering in all its diversity. Our work links research, policy innovation, good practice and grant making in the involvement of volunteers. We provide free information and advice to anyone who works with volunteers. | |
| Xchange Scotland | Sends volunteers from Scotland on exciting and interesting international voluntary projects around the world with local partner organisations - short term (2-4 week) and long-term (2-12 month). Enables local groups and organisations to host similar international voluntary projects in Scotland. Arranges youth exchanges and intiatives for 15-30 year-olds through the European Commission Youth In Action programme. |
Local Information
| Hebrides | Local news site | |
| Comhairle nan Eilean Siar | Western Isles Council | |
| Stornoway Gazette | Local newpaper | |
| Visit Hebrides | tourist information | |
| The Western Isles | Local weather, event and other information | |
| Western Isles Health Board | Local health Board Information |
Other useful national advice and information for organisations
| Scottish Government | The official website of the Scottish executive, the devolved government of Scotland. | www.scotland.gov.uk |
| Government Health and safety | Health and Safety Government Information Official Health and Safety Executive web site, full of information and advice on legal issues. Including free to download leaflets and publications. | www.hse.gov.uk |
| Safe and helathy Working | Safe and Healthy Working offers free confidential advise to small to medium enterprises on safe and healthy working practises. | www.safeandhealthyworking.com |
| Health and safety | Communities Health and Safety | www.communitytoolkit.org.uk |
| Equality and Human rights commission | The commission is working to eliminate discrimination, reduce inequality, protect human rights and to build good relations, ensuring that everyone has a fair chance to participate in society. | |
| Information Commissioners Office | From data protection and electronic communications to freedom of information and environmental regulations - the ICO is the UK's independent public body set up to protect personal information and promote public access to official information. |
Other useful national advice and information for individuals
| Citizens Advice Bureau | The Citizens Advice service helps people resolve their legal, money and other problems by providing free, independent and confidential advice, and by influencing policymakers. | |
| Job Centre plus | Help and advice on jobhunting, making or maintaining a benefit claim | www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk |
| Careers Scotland | For all your career advice needs | |
| Develop your Career | DevelopYourCareer contains a wealth of information, provided by experts who have experience and expertise in career development. | www.developyourcareer.co.uk |